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Perry Hoffman wrote, "I saw these birds cawing and pursuing each other and wondered if it was a mating ritual... turn out I was correct. I did a composite photo to show them in action

I've read that Pigeon Guillemots are socially monogamous and keep their pair bonds for many  breeding seasons. In spring, pairs return to the breeding grounds, like here off the Mendonoma Coast, and begin courtship near the nest site. The male often chases or circles the female at sea, calling, and sometimes pursues her underwater. And that's what Perry saw and photographed.

On land, the male circles or even jumps over the female, pointing his bill downward and raising his red feet conspicuously as he marches. The female, suitably impressed, circles the male, and then indicates her acceptance.

To hear their very high-pitched calls, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pigeon_Guillemot/sounds

Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Perry's photography and artwork, here is the link to his website: https://magentaraven.com/

Sunny and warm today with a gentler breeze than yesterday!

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Mark Hancock wrote, “My grandson Ollie and I stopped at the Vista Trail at the top of the Jenner Grade to give my dog Tasi her walk.  As we completed the loop we were thrilled to see a baby King Snake on the path.  I used to catch them regularly as a kid in Corte Madera, but hadn't seen one for decades up here on the coast.”

I sent Mark’s photo to herpetologist Gary Nafis. He wrote, “Yes, it's a Cal King. They don't seem to be as common on the north coast as they are elsewhere.”California King Snakes are non venomous.

Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

After the rain of Sunday night into Monday - we received 0.37 inches at Rick's and my place, 61.93 season to date - sunshine and wind have ruled the day. Spring winds bring upwelling in the Pacific Ocean, igniting the entire food chain in the ocean.

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Cindy Morey found a unique nest of a Canada Goose. She wrote, “Last year at the pond in Irish Beach we had six baby goslings. Looks like Mother Goose is back again. Here she is sitting on her nest on a little ornamental house. Barely big enough for her. A Red-winged Blackbird is on the lookout for danger.”

That's a very special place for this mother goose to have her nest.

Thanks to Cindy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

A small storm rolled in late last night and extended its stay through much of today, Monday. 0.35 inches in my gauge - a nice watering for all the plants.

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Molly Morgan had an unusual visitor. She wrote, “Look who showed up in our backyard. She seemed healthy and serene, foraging (don’t know if she found anything) and then slowly headed up the hill behind out house and out of sight. Now, I feel quite certain that peacocks are not native to this area!! Right??? Do you have any insight for this very unusual sighting?”

No, Peacocks and Peahens are not native but several have been seen here over the years. A Peacock has been seen in Point Arena and one in Timber Cove. Here's a photo of a Peacock for you to compare. My, what a beautiful, long tail you have, Mr. Peacock! This photos was taken in Point Arena by Carolyn Andre a few years ago.

I wondered why someone would bring a Peafowl here and was surprised when I learned they are great as a natural pest control. They will happily eat all kinds of bugs, including ticks. They also go after small rodents like mice and rats. Not to mention, they are beautiful.

Thanks to Molly and to Carolyn for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It was very cloudy this Sunday morning, followed by blue skies. But clouds are beginning to appear as we have a small storm headed our way.

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Summer Montacute had a Bobcat visit her place at The Sea Ranch. She wrote, “This Bobcat wandered through our backyard yesterday evening. It walked very close to the house and I was able to take these photos from the inside. I have never seen one so close and now have a new appreciation for their gorgeous fur! We’ve seen so much wildlife from our home since moving here a year ago but never a Bobcat. Truly special!”

Bobcats, with their tufted ears and bobbed tails, are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Summer for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

Today, Friday, is sunny and warm, with fog over the ocean. No wind!